Procedures

Tooth Extractions

You and Dr. Kienle, Dr. Steinkeler and Dr. Gunawardena may determine that you need a tooth extraction for any number of reasons. Some teeth are extracted because they are severely decayed; others may have advanced periodontal disease, or have broken in a way that cannot be repaired. Other teeth may need removal because they are poorly positioned in the mouth (such as impacted teeth), or in preparation for orthodontic treatment.

The removal of a single tooth can lead to problems related to your chewing ability, problems with your jaw joint, and shifting teeth, which can have a major impact on your dental health.

To avoid these complications, in most cases, Drs. Kienle, Steinkeler and Gunawardena will discuss alternatives to extractions as well replacement of the extracted tooth.

Are You Ready to Live Pain Free?

Contact us with any questions or to schedule an appointment to reclaim your smile today!

Call us: 215-672-6560

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The Extraction Process

Dentists extracting a patient's toothAt the time of extraction the doctor will need to numb your tooth, jaw bone, and gums that surround the area with a local anesthetic. This is just using local anesthesia (ie novocaine) and staying awake for the procedure.

The other alternative is to be asleep for the procedure using either sedation or general anesthesia techniques. When sedation or general anesthesia techniques are utilized you will not be aware of the extraction procedure and for most patients, it is the most comfortable and easiest way to undergo the extraction process.

During the extraction process, you will feel a lot of pressure. This is from the process of firmly rocking the tooth in order to widen the socket for removal.

Normally you feel the pressure without pain as the anesthetic has numbed the nerves stopping the transference of pain. However, the nerves that transmit pressure are not profoundly affected. Sometimes it is impossible to provide complete local anesthesia (completely numb) and you may require sedation or general anesthesia to have the procedure done comfortably and without pain. This is usually the case when a tooth is acutely infected.

If you do feel pain at any time during the extraction please let us know right away. Refer to our post-surgical instructions below for information you can use to heal while resting at home.

Sectioning a Tooth

Some teeth require sectioning. This is a very common procedure done when a tooth is so firmly anchored in its socket or the root is curved and the socket can’t expand enough to remove it. The doctor simply cuts the tooth into sections then removes each section one at a time.

Benefits of Oral Surgeons Performing Tooth Extractions

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons, such as Dr. Kienle, Dr. Steinkeler and Dr. Gunawardena, are the only dental specialists who are fully trained in all oral surgery procedures. All doctors in our practice are board-certified in oral and maxillofacial surgery and in anesthesia and have earned both medical and dental degrees.

Flagship Oral, Facial, and Dental Implant Surgery is the only practice in the Delaware Valley/Tri-State area that

  • Has all of our surgical facilities fully accredited by the Joint Commission.
  • Has surgeons uniquely qualified with both medical and dental degrees, as well as board certification in oral and maxillofacial surgery and anesthesia.

You can be assured that Drs. Kienle, Steinkeler and Gunawardena have the best training and experience, along with the proper staff and facilities, to provide you with exceptional safe and comfortable surgical care. Call us today and schedule an appointment.

After Tooth Extraction

After tooth extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. Bite on a gauze pad for 60 minutes immediately after the appointment. If the bleeding or oozing still persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 60 minutes. You may have to do this several times to stop the flow of blood.

After the blood clot forms, it is important to not disturb or dislodge the clot. Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol, or brush teeth next to the extraction site for 24 hours. These activities may dislodge or dissolve the clot and hinder the healing process. Limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours, as this increases blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site.

After the tooth is extracted you may feel some pain and experience some swelling. An ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn applied to the area will keep swelling to a minimum. Apply the ice pack for the first 24 hours. Take pain medications as prescribed. The swelling usually peaks after 48 to 72 hours and then subsides after that.

Use pain medication as directed. Call our office during regular office hours if the medication doesn’t seem to be working: Warminster Office Phone Number 215-672-6560. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time even if signs and symptoms of infection are gone. Drink lots of fluids and eat nutritious, soft food on the day of the extraction. You can eat normally as soon as you are comfortable.

It is important to resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours. This should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least once a day. This will speed healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean.

After a few days, you should feel fine and can resume your normal activities. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, or continued swelling for more than 7 days call the office during regular office hours: Warminster Office Phone Number 215-672-6560. If you have a reaction to the medication, call our facility promptly or go to the emergency room at your local hospital.


 

Patient Reviews: Tooth Extractions

This reviews section is in progress. Please visit the Patient Review Form page to leave a review about your tooth extraction experience with Flagship Oral, Facial, and Dental Implant Surgery. Call our office if you would like more information: Warminster Office Phone Number 215-672-6560.

Flagship Oral, Facial, and Dental Implant Surgery

5 out of 5 stars based on 131 Extraction reviews.

Patient Review by Julie R

I was very pleased with every aspect of the visit. they had me in and out in less than an hour.

- Julie R

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Monica F

Overall positive experience. I would recommend to others without hesitation.

- Monica F

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Sadie D

I would like to thank Dr. Gunawardena and all the staff for making my procedure go smoothly, from booking my appointment to my extraction. Everyone is extremely nice, informative , and I felt like I was in the best hands. Thank you so much!!

- Sadie D

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Marla J

Thank you so much!! From the office staff to the doctor, everyone was friendly and made me feel comfortable.

- Marla J

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Tony O

i had an excellent experience at this office with dr stienkeller. he and his assistant explained everything before during and after the procedure. i felt comfortable the entire visit and felt my questions and concerns were handled in perfect fashion. nobody likes going through any type of dental work obviously , but if you have to i would absolutely use this office. i honestly can’t say enough about how good of an experience i had here.

- Tony O

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Stephen P

My surgery was quick and painless..Dr G is amazing at what he does, no pain after, surgery was a breeze..the nurses Donna and Michelle were awesome, they took great care of me and were so sweet..best experience ever with anything dental.

- Stephen P

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by William B

Arrived at time requested,very short amount of paperwork,then appointment started on time.X rays taken with an amazing rotating X-ray machine! Doctor G came in and I got the needles for anesthesia that were literally painless.Procedure began 20 minutes later. Literally could not tell that the tooth was out or that I was sutured! Amazing! Post op recovery was a piece of cake-2 aleves last night and thats it.Had dinner,and breakfast totally pain free.Zero chance I would go anywhere else! If you are squeamish about getting anything done,oral surgery related,this group is the only logical choice.

- William B

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Dawn O

I had a fantastic experience with Dr. Gunawardena and his staff. They were amazing. I would highly recommend him to anyone.

- Dawn O

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Marilyn K

I’m a senior citizen, and have had tooth issues all my life, and have been to scores of dentists for treatments and routine care. I was very apprehensive of having my tooth extracted, particularly as there were complications and difficulties in doing so. The process, and outcome, were FAR better than anticipated, or than experienced previously in with other dentists and oral surgeons. I highly recommend Dr Kienle and the OMS staff.

- Marilyn K

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Ruth M

I had 2 severely impacted teeth extracted by Dr. Steinkeler. There were some special circumstances that Dr. S. managed beautifully. Recovery was incredibly easy, I only needed minimal pain medication. I receive injections for osteoporosis which can have a frightening consequence called osteonecrosis (which attacks the density of the jawbone). Dr. S. has been monitoring my recovery carefully to protect the integrity of my mandible. He is extremely thorough, and an extraordinarily kind person. It is a 40 minute drive to the closest office of O&MS, but I will never go to any other oral surgeon.

- Ruth M

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Kelli L

The office is very clean, and the staff is very knowledgeable and helpful. The dentist is never my first choice, but he explained everything as he worked.

- Kelli L

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Jim S

Well, lets say I absolutely hate anything dental as I am a rather large baby. I need to go to sleep for anything. Well lets say other than the novacaine shots - NOTHING was sore from the extraction. I took one pain pill yesterday afternoon and prior to bed, that is it. NO PAIN. WELL DONE. THANK YOU.

- Jim S

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Denisa M

Every was perfect clean people in the front desk are friendly the nurses was awesome very funny 2 the Dr men got magic hands I will definitely recommend this doctor thank you so much I'm really happy

- Denisa M

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Cheryl M

A special thank you to Dr. Gunawardena (Dr. G.) and the surgical + office staff for getting me through the extraction of my #3 molar (as scheduled Yesterday) during this unsettling coved-19 pandemic! They listened to my concerns regarding anesthesia due to having sleep apnea and put my fears at ease, so glad I listened to your recommendation Dr. G! I have had ver little pain or swelling over the past 24 hours, you are the best! This tooth was very infected 4 weeks ago due to a failing route canal (an antibiotic cleared the infection but I could feel it returning, so thank you again for seeing me yesterday)! I highly recommend your office!

- Cheryl M

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Frances T

This was my first visit to this office. I was extremely anxious and nervous. The staff at the front desk made it an easy check-in and were friendly and courteous. I only had to wait about five minutes before going back to the operating area. All the nurses were amazing! They do everything possible to make you comfortable. Sheila held my hand my hand when it was time to get the local anesthetic done. Dr. “G” is phenomenal! Very professional and explains every detail to you, as well as asking you if you have any questions for him. Laura (I hope I got it right) was the nurse with me during the procedure and she talked me through it! It really help ease my nerves having her talk to me during the procedure. The extraction was painless and quick! It’s that not knowing before the procedure that gets you. I would defiantly recommend Dr. “G” and the entire staff. I also have a consult scheduled for the next step, which is an implant. Thank you everyone for being so kind to me.

- Frances T

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Lauren V

Dr G extracted my tooth no pain Flawless surgery nurse Christina was so nice and fantastic. Great service

- Lauren V

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Drew K

I cannot say enough praises for this practice.... and this comes from someone who truly fears any dental visit. A 5 star rating is well deserved!!!

- Drew K

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Ted B

All and all I had a wonderful experience for getting an extraction done. I have had work done here and as well as two other companies one which I had a horror storey from that had set my nerves and anxiety sky high during time for surgery. The doc reassured me, calmed me down and performed the work in under a minute with minimal to no stress during the procedure. I seem to be healing well due to great instructions giving to me after my surgery to be prepared during recovery thank you to everyone there that helped me have a great experience . Being uninsured yes anywhere u go will cost you money but does the work justify the cost? I believe Dr Shelkun & Kienle are worth it!

- Ted B

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Michael L

Was my 2nd time going to this place and I was treated very nicely and the doctor was awesome. If I have to go again I will certainly go there again and if anyone I know needs work done. I'll reccomend them to come here.

- Michael L

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Dana D

Dr. G and the entire staff were great! My procedure was about 5 minutes and that was for 2 teeth being extracted. I didn't even know he had already done both when it was all over. I had no pain during or after the procedure. I would highly recommend this office! Thank you 🙂

- Dana D

5 out of 5 stars on